All are welcome to join in prayer and song for a special service at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 25 at Saint Barnabas Episcopal Church.

The service will be one of lament, remembrance and hope as church members and the public continue to send up prayers for the nine people  killed at Emanuel AME Church, in Charleston, South Carolina last week.

Lament is the heart’s expression of grief and has long been part of humanity’s worship of the divine. The service will address issues of racial hatred, violence and prejudice that seem to be a unsolvable part of common culture. Attendees will also renew their commitment to God’s call to unity, peace and justice.

The service will be led by the Reverend Tommy Dillon II, the Incoming Rector of Grace Episcopal Church, and the Reverend Dennis S. Tierney of St. Barnabas.

The church is located at 1187 Wyatt Way NW.